NORFOLK, Va. – The Port of Virginia's new leader was announced Wednesday.
The Virginia Port Authority's (VPA) Board of Commissioners introduced Stephen Edwards as the next leader.
He succeeds John F. Reinhart who for the last seven years has led the VPA as its CEO and executive director.
The VPA said Edwards has extensive experience in the global transportation industry and served most recently as the president and CEO of TraPac, LLC (TraPac), which operates container terminals in Los Angeles, Oakland, and Florida.
Edwards' position with the VPA begins on January 19, 2021.
“I am delighted to be joining the Virginia Port Authority team in January,” Edwards said. “Under John Reinhart’s leadership, The Port of Virginia has put all of the pieces in place for long-term success. The goal is to take these collective assets and put them to work to the benefit of customers and cargo owners while attracting new business, jobs and economic investment to Virginia. I look forward to continuing this positive momentum and leading the port to greater heights in the coming years.”
In May, Reinhart announced that he would be retiring in March 2021. During his tenure, Reinhart helped secure the port’s position as a leader in the maritime industry by modernizing the port’s infrastructure and rebuilding its reputation, brand, and competitiveness, the VPA said.
During Wednesday’s special virtual board meeting, John G. Milliken, chairman of the VPA board, held a vote on Resolution 20-19 to appoint Edwards to serve as CEO and executive director of the VPA.
